Inside Schizophrenia

WHAT IT IS, WHAT CAUSES SCHIZOPHRENIA, AND HOW IT'S TREATED

What is Schizophrenia? What are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia? What Causes It? How is It Treated? When Someone Has Schizophrenia Childhood-Onset Schizophrenia How Can Other People Help? What is the Outlook? The Center for Mental Health Services

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Schizophrenia is the most chronic and disabling of the severe mental disorders. More than 2 million Americans are affected by schizophrenia.

Contrary to the common misconception, schizophrenia does not mean "split or multiple personality." And, although people with schizophrenia often are portrayed as violent on television and in movies, that is seldom the case. In fact, people with schizophrenia are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators, and they tend to be shy and socially withdrawn.

The illness, which may impair a person's ability to manage emotions, interact with others, and think clearly, typically develops in the late teens or early twenties. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and social withdrawal.

Most people with schizophrenia continue to suffer chronically or episodically throughout their lives. Even between bouts of active illness, lost opportunities for careers and relationships, stigma, residual symptoms, and medication side effects often plague those with the illness. One of every 10 people with schizophrenia eventually commits suicide.

This website endeavors to answer many common questions about schizophrenia. Current research-based information is provided for people with schizophrenia, their family members, friends, and the general public about the symptoms and diagnosis of schizophrenia, possible causes, treatments, and treatment resources.  

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It is not the intention of the Inside Schizophrenia website to provide specific medical advice, but rather to provide users with information to better understand their mental health and diagnosed disorders. Specific medical advice will not be provided, and we urge you to consult with a qualified mental health or health care provider for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions.